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The Controversy Of Genetic Testing EssayThe issue of ancestralal engineering and testing has become one of the most contentious issues in our contemporary society. The debate is battled over by credentialed scientists on both sides and the likelihood is really high that it will continue. Most of the pro genetic testing advocates claim that since it is a technological and scientific process, genetic testing governmental regulation and paygrade should be purely based on objective and scientific criteria.Genetic testing opponents argue that there should be more science (or rather advance patterned advance) especially on environmental and human studies in order to have such a purely perceived scientific evaluation of genetic testing. The contradiction brought about by such pure scientific assessment of genetic testing is the fact that it ignores the varied and differentiated religious, cultural, and ethical dimensions of different individuals that must be considered (Coates, Mahaffies, Hines, 1997, 13).Thus, genetic testing is not an isolated technology but rather one that employs a wide range of methods that will eventually gauge the absence, practise or presence of defective genes in cells. Its costs ranges from as less than $50 for simpler screenings like sickle cell anemia blood screens to the $10,000s square bracket for more complicated screens such as the pre-implantation genetic investigation for diseases like the Tay Sachs.Many individuals tend to prefer genetic testing when it happens that their families have shown or so symptoms, which, abandoned an early diagnosis, can substantially be improved. They may also consider it if they wish to pass on some desired genetic traits to their progeny.It goes without saying that the potency that genetic testing has for humankind in all societies is quite paramount. The most significant is the fact that genetic testing has a capability of lengthening and amend the quality of human life. When used and administered in the most appropriate ethical standards, genetic testing will/can eventually eliminate many unanticipated distresses and suffering. However, a number of issues including discrimination, social engineering, consent, equity, and privacy pose as electric potential hindrances that have been confronted by many people so far. There have been some individualal family and legal conflicts which have arisen as a result of individual and/immediate relatives testing (Coates, Mahaffie, Hines, 1997, 17).Considering the issue of privacy for example, there has been many doubts whether insurance firms and potential employers for example, should access a persons genetic records. There have been proposals that only genetic researchers should in their attempt to come up with more smart technologies that will ensure improvement and longevity of human life. This possibility of other unauthorized individuals or groups being informed of such genetic statuses is viewed by many as an incrim inating genetic privacy deficiency.Moreover, genes are shared among parents and siblings, and as such, many wonder if there is a moral obligation for a person to disclose the information to people who could be potentially affected. Other issues that have brought additional controversy related to genetic testing include possible nervous discrimination of those found with defective genetic composition. This mainly happens in insurance related processes among others such as foster parenting or adoption. (Coates, Mahaffie, Hines, 1997, 22)Equality in accessibility of genetic testing to all is yet another worrying factor. Some people have thought that the rich might well be able-bodied to alienate themselves from all forms of genetically oriented complications because they can relatively afford the staggering costs as compared to the less fortunate. This has however, been addressed by appropriate regulative measures that ensure there is no unnecessary skyrocketing of genetic testing costs.In conclusion, Id say that no matter what the magnitude of opposition towards the issues revolving genetic testing, it is fundamental to appreciate one fact that the bottom line of all the debates will always depend heavily on the eminent advantages that this scientific advancement has brought to humanity. All we are required to do now is to streamline a few bends and we will soon be one army against a common enemy, ignorance of the benefits awaiting mankind after perfecting the methods and procedures involved.Most of these controversial issues can comfortably be prevented if we all make concerted efforts to understand the legal and social policies, internal and state legislation as well as the health care reforms that will prevent disillusion about genetic testing. The gifts to be achieved by treating ravage inherited diseases out rightly outweigh the societal risks involved.Work citedCoates Joseph, Mahaffie John Hines Andy. The Promise of Genetics. The Futurist, Vol.31, S eptember, 1997, pp. 13, 17, 22